Henderson's fawn lily facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Henderson's fawn lily |
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| Genus: |
Erythronium
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| Species: |
hendersonii
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The Erythronium hendersonii, commonly called Henderson's fawn lily, is a lovely wild flower. It is part of the lily family. This plant grows naturally in southwestern Oregon and northern California. It can be found in large numbers in certain areas. These areas include the Rogue River and Applegate River basins in Josephine County and Jackson County, Oregon. It also grows in Siskiyou, Del Norte, and Mendocino Counties in California.
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What Henderson's Fawn Lily Looks Like
The Henderson's fawn lily has two leaves that often have a mottled, or spotted, pattern. Its stem, called a scape, can hold up to eleven flowers. However, it usually has about one to four blossoms.
Flower Colors and Features
The flower's color is very special and different from other Erythronium species in western North America. The petals, called tepals, curve backward. Their color can range from a deep, velvety purple to a lighter lavender shade. The base of these petals is dark purple, often surrounded by a hint of white or yellow. The part of the flower that receives pollen, called the stigma, is either not lobed or has three short lobes. The pollen-producing parts, called anthers, are purple to brown.
How the Plant Got Its Name
This plant was named after Louis F. Henderson. He was a famous botanist, a scientist who studies plants. People often called him "The Grand Old Man of Northwest Botany" because of his important work.
Where Henderson's Fawn Lily Grows
Henderson's fawn lily starts blooming early in the southern parts of its range, sometimes as early as February. In March, some places are covered with thousands of these flowers. They often bloom at the same time as Dodecatheon hendersonii, another type of flower.
Preferred Habitat
At higher elevations, the fawn lily continues to bloom through May. It grows best in dry, open woodlands. You can often find it among trees like Ponderosa pine, Garry oak, and madrone. These types of trees create the perfect environment for this beautiful lily to thrive.
Growing Henderson's Fawn Lily
The Henderson's fawn lily is also grown in gardens. In the United Kingdom, this plant has received a special honor. The Royal Horticultural Society gave it the Award of Garden Merit. This award means it is an excellent plant for gardens.
